With recent census data indicating there are 20,000 more people living in Canberra than thought, Canberra Liberals Leader Elizabeth Lee is calling on the ACT Labor-Greens government to increase their land release program in the upcoming budget.

Ms Lee said the Labor-Greens government is planning to release just 4,171 blocks in the next five years at an average of 834 a year, which is inadequate before factoring in the 20,000 extra people.

“We know the government is deliberately constraining the release of land in the ACT and they also have a history of not of not delivering and failing to meet their low targets,” Ms Lee said.

“Recent land ballots have seen tens of thousands of people vying for a small number of blocks and just last week at Macnamara there were 7,400 applications for just 51 blocks of land.

“This clearly indicates the balance is not right and Canberrans are not being given a choice when it comes to housing options.

“With the census data indicating there are 20,000 more people living in our city than thought by the Labor-Greens government this provides an opportunity for the Chief Minister to update the indicative land release program going forward.

“Since the adoption of the 70 per cent infill agenda by the Labor-Greens government, the Canberra housing market has become more unaffordable and offers little choice.

“This Labor-Greens government has been in power for over 20 years and it is clear they have failed to adequately plan for the growth of the city,” Ms Lee concluded.

Recent land ballots have shown there is significant demand for detached housing;

• Macnamara 7,400 applicants for 51 blocks (June 2022)
• Whitlam 12,417 applicants for 101 blocks (February 2022)
• Macnamara 8,700 applicants for 71 blocks (November 2021)
• Whitlam 7,566 applicants for 92 blocks (March 2021)